Student Workers: University Of Arizona's Essential Team Members

The University of Arizona offers a student employment program that provides part-time work opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students enrolled at the university. Student workers are classified into groups (B, C, and D) based on their qualifications, experience, and responsibilities, with corresponding pay ranges. These positions are intended to support students financially while they pursue their education, but they are not eligible for benefits. International students are also eligible to work as student workers, provided they have valid immigration status and meet the minimum credit hour requirements. The University of Arizona is an equal opportunity institution that does not discriminate on various grounds, including race, religion, sex, and national origin.

Student worker eligibility

To be eligible for student employment at the University of Arizona, the primary relationship of the individual with the university must be that of a student, not an employee. This means that the student must be enrolled at the University of Arizona and actively attending classes. They must also be enrolled in at least 6 units, and online courses for credit are counted toward this minimum enrollment requirement. Students are considered enrolled in courses on a semester-by-semester basis.

International students must have a valid immigration status that allows student employment and meet the minimum credit hour requirements. Additionally, J-1 international students must request authorization from International Student Services before starting employment.

Students who are former university staff, classified staff, or appointed personnel may not be eligible for a student worker position due to mandatory retirement and/or benefits plans.

There are different student worker classifications, including Groups B, C, and D, each with varying requirements and pay ranges. Undergraduate and graduate students may be hired into Group B, which requires little to no previous training or work experience, or one to two years of college or comparable experience. Group C is for qualified upper-level undergraduate or graduate students with extensive training or experience and advanced knowledge. This group requires independent judgment and decision-making and may involve supervision of other student workers. Group D is for graduate students who perform work similar to a graduate assistant/associate position but do not hold that position.

Student workers are classified as nonexempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act, and their work hours are limited to ensure their primary relationship with the university remains as a student. They can work up to 25 hours per week during the fall and spring semesters and up to 35 hours per week during the summer session, winter session, and spring break. Residence hall assistants may work up to 15 hours per week in another student worker position. International students with J-1 or F-1 visas may work up to 20 hours per week during the fall and spring semesters without special permission.

Student worker pay

Student workers at the University of Arizona are part-time employees who are concurrently enrolled at the university. Student workers are not eligible for benefits and are not guaranteed employment. The university offers a wide range of positions, which require different skill and experience levels.

The University of Arizona has three pay ranges for student workers, corresponding to Student Groups B, C, and D. The pay rate for a student worker must be at least the minimum of the pay range for the assigned Student Group classification and commensurate with the duties performed. Departments are responsible for determining the appropriate classification and rate of pay for student worker positions.

As of July 1, 2023, the minimum compensation range for Student Groups B, C, and D is $14.50 per hour. Previously, the minimum compensation range was $13.85 per hour, effective January 1, 2023. Before that, the minimum compensation range was $13.00 per hour, effective January 1, 2022.

Student Residence Hall Assistants, who reside in a University residence hall and work to promote a socially, culturally, and educationally enriching experience for students, receive room and board expenses rather than hourly pay. Student journalists, who serve as reporters, photographers, and copy editors, are generally paid on a per-piece rate. Student Advertising Representatives, who manage display advertising accounts, are paid a base salary plus a productivity-based commission. These positions are exempt from the minimum wage and overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Student workers at the University of Arizona are not allowed to work more than 25 hours per week during the Fall and Spring semesters and up to 35 hours per week during the Summer Session, Winter Session, and Spring Break. If a student worker exceeds 40 hours in a week, any excess hours must be paid at an overtime rate of 1.5 times the regular pay.

Student worker hours

At the University of Arizona, a student worker is a part-time employee who is concurrently enrolled at the university. Student workers are classified as non-exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act and must not exceed the maximum work hours set out in the University's policy. The supervisor is responsible for monitoring a student worker's hours and ensuring that they do not exceed the maximum limit.

Student workers may work up to 25 hours per week during the Fall and Spring Semesters. During the Summer Session, Winter Session, and Spring Break, they may work up to 35 hours per week. If a student worker holds multiple positions, their total hours across all jobs are subject to these maximums. Student Residence Hall Assistants may work up to 15 hours per week in another student worker position.

International students at the University of Arizona must have valid immigration status that allows them to work. J-1 international students must request authorization from International Student Services before starting work, and they are limited to 20 hours per week during the Fall and Spring Semesters without written permission from International Student Services.

Student workers are required to report all hours worked on their timesheet. If a student worker exceeds 40 hours in a week, any additional hours must be paid at an overtime rate of 1.5 times the regular pay rate. Student workers are expected to notify their supervisor as soon as possible if they will be absent or tardy and to inform them of the anticipated length of any extended absences. Supervisors are encouraged to be flexible with student workers' schedules and allow them to take unpaid time off for exams or major projects if it is consistent with the business needs of their unit.

Student worker employment process

The University of Arizona offers undergraduate and graduate students paid part-time work while they pursue their studies. Student workers are not eligible for benefits, as their primary relationship with the university is as a student, not an employee.

Eligibility

To be eligible for student employment, students must be enrolled at the University of Arizona and actively attending classes. Students must be enrolled in at least 6 units, and online courses for credit count towards this minimum requirement. Students must continue to meet these enrollment requirements for the duration of their employment.

International students must have a valid immigration status that allows student employment and meet the minimum credit hour requirements. J-1 international students must request authorization from International Student Services before they begin employment.

Job Classifications and Pay

There are four student worker groups: B, C, and D, and Residence Hall Assistants. Students in Groups B, C, and D are paid at least the minimum of the pay range for their assigned group, with pay rates starting at $14.35/hour. Students in Group B may have little or no previous training or work experience, while those in Group C require extensive training or experience and advanced knowledge. Group D is for graduate students who perform work similar to a graduate assistant/associate position but do not hold that position.

Work Hours

Student workers are classified as nonexempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act and may not exceed the maximum work hours set forth. During the Fall and Spring Semesters, they may work up to 25 hours per week, and up to 35 hours per week during the Summer Session, Winter Session, and Spring Break. Students who work eight hours in a day are authorized to take an unpaid meal break, and they may be provided with a 15-minute paid rest break during a four-hour work period.

Hiring Process

Departments are responsible for assigning student worker positions to the appropriate group classifications. Students must complete training within 60 days of their hire date. To begin working, students must submit a Student Hire Request Form at least five business days in advance. If the student has a Federal Work Study Award, they must attach the paperwork to the form. Once the form is processed, the student will be notified that they can start working.

Student worker rights

Student workers at the University of Arizona are part-time employees who are concurrently enrolled at the university. Their primary relationship with the university is as a student, not as an employee. Student workers are at-will employees with no guarantee of employment.

Rights

Student workers have the right to:

• Be paid at least the minimum of the pay range for their assigned Student Group classification (Student Groups B, C, and D).
• Work up to 25 hours per week during the Fall and Spring Semesters, and up to 35 hours per week during the Summer and Winter Sessions, and Spring Break.
• Be eligible for employer-sponsored health insurance if they work 30 or more hours per week over a one-year period.
• Be eligible for unpaid leave under certain circumstances through the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).
• Be eligible for a Federal Work-Study (FWS) award as part of their financial aid package.
• Be flexible with their work schedule, with supervisor approval, to take unpaid time off for exams or major projects.
• Take a 15-minute paid rest break during a continuous four-hour work period.
• Take an unpaid meal break if they work eight hours in a day.

Rules of Conduct

Student workers are expected to adhere to the rules of conduct of the University of Arizona, the Arizona Board of Regents, and their department. They are also subject to the Student Code of Conduct. Rules of conduct include:

• Notifying their supervisor as soon as possible if they will be absent or tardy.
• Not engaging in unauthorized use of university vehicles or property.
• Not sleeping on duty, smoking on campus, or gambling while at work.
• Not engaging in any illegal conduct or conduct damaging to the university's public relations.
• Not using, carrying, or possessing any firearms, explosives, or other potentially dangerous weapons on university property.
• Not consuming or being under the influence of alcoholic beverages while on duty.

Frequently asked questions